MBTI

ISTP (Virtuoso) is a personality type with the Introverted, Observant, Thinking, and Prospecting traits. They tend to have an individualistic mindset, pursuing goals without needing much external connection. They engage in life with inquisitiveness and personal skill, varying their approach as needed. People with ISTP personalities enjoy having time to think alone and are fiercely independent. ISTPs also love action, new experiences, hands-on activities, and the freedom to work at their own pace.

People with the ISTP personality type love to explore with their hands and their eyes, touching and examining the world around them with an impressive diligence, a casual curiosity, and a healthy dose of skepticism. They are natural makers, moving from project to project, building the useful and the superfluous for the fun of it and learning from their environment as they go. They find no greater joy than in getting their hands dirty pulling things apart and putting them back together, leaving them just a little bit better than they were before. ISTPs prefer to approach problems directly, seeking straightforward solutions over convoluted troubleshooting methods. People with this personality type rely heavily on firsthand experience and trial and error as they execute their ideas and projects. And as they do so, they usually prefer to work at their own pace, on their own terms, and without unnecessary interruptions. This is not a type who is inclined to socialize beyond what is necessary as they try to accomplish their goals. In fact, ISTP personalities generally find regular socializing to be taxing. Direct but reserved, calm but suddenly spontaneous, industrious but focused on their own priorities, people with the ISTP personality type can be a challenge to predict, even by their friends and loved ones. They can seem very steady for a while, but they tend to build up a store of impulsive energy that explodes without warning, taking their interests in bold new directions. ISTPs act spontaneously on a new interest, exploring its viability after they’ve shifted gears. Decisions made by ISTPs may largely stem from their rational nature and their sense of what feels practical for them at any given moment, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t get swept away by their passions from time to time. Once their flame is lit, they tend to commit their time and energy with an impressive intensity until another equally compelling, or perhaps more gratifying, opportunity arises. One of the biggest issues that they are likely to face is that, because they often act out of haste, they might rub people the wrong way sometimes. They tend to have a very straightforward communication style that is often misinterpreted as bluntness or a lack of sensitivity, but it is simply the way these genuine souls operate. Guided by their knowledge and the evidence at their disposal, ISTPs navigate life by feel and inspiration, often stepping away from predefined routines to follow their instincts. They are unbound by convention, preferring to chart their own course in all that they do.

Dominant: Introverted Thinking

ISTPs spend a great deal of time thinking and processing information in their heads. This means they do not spend much time expressing themselves verbally, so they are often known as the quiet ones. They deal with the world rationally and logically, so they are often focused on practical and useful things. Because they are so logical, ISTPs are good at looking at situations objectively and avoiding subjective or emotional factors when making decisions. 

Auxiliary: Extraverted Sensing

ISTPs prefer to focus on the present and take on things one day at a time. They often avoid making long-term commitments and would rather focus on the "here and now" rather than think about future plans and possibilities. ISTPs tend to be very logical and enjoy learning and understanding how things operate. They might take apart a mechanical device just to see how it works. While they are good at understanding abstract and theoretical information, they are not particularly interested in such things unless they can see some type of practical application.

Tertiary: Introverted Intuition

This function often operates largely unconsciously in the ISTP personality. While they are not usually interested in abstract ideas, they may take such concepts and try to turn them into action or practical solutions. It is this function that is behind the "gut feelings" that ISTPs sometimes experience when making a decision. By synthesizing information brought in by the dominant and auxiliary functions, this aspect of personality may be responsible for sudden "aha" moments of insight.

Inferior: Extraverted Feeling

This aspect of personality tends to operate in the background of the ISTP personality, but it can become more apparent during times of stress. During highly charged situations, ISTPs can sometimes lash out in sudden outbursts of emotion. They often ignore their own feelings until things reach a boiling-over point, which can lead to displaying emotions in ways that can seem inappropriate.

ISTP Strengths 

• Logical

• Learns by experience

• Action-oriented

• Realistic and practical

• Self-confident and easygoing

• Enjoys new things

Diligent and Observant – People with the ISTP personality type (Virtuosos) are usually up to their elbows in some project or another. As hands-on individuals, they love readily engaging with their environment and transforming their observations into practical solutions.

Handy and Resourceful – This personality type is very imaginative when it comes to practical things, mechanics, crafts, and skills. Novel ideas come easily to ISTPs, and they love using their hands to put them into action.

Spontaneous – They are generally able to go with the flow and think on their feet. This flexibility comes with some unpredictability, but ISTPs are able to store their spontaneity for a rainy day, releasing their energy just when it’s needed most.

Direct and Authentic – ISTPs value straightforward and honest communication. They speak their mind without sugarcoating, reflecting their authenticity. This directness often fosters clarity in their relationships and helps them advocate for their wants and needs.

Independent – Very self-reliant individuals, ISTPs thrive on regularly undertaking tasks alone, which helps them foster their creativity along with strong problem-solving abilities.

Grounded – ISTPs have the uncanny ability to stay rooted in the present moment. With a keen focus on what’s happening now, this personality type is less likely to get swept up in hypothetical future scenarios or past regrets.

ISTP Weaknesses

• Difficult to get to know

• Grows bored easily

• Risk-taker

• Does not like commitment

Unapologetic – As easily as ISTPs go with the flow, people with this personality type can also ignore it entirely and move in another direction with little consideration for others’ preferences. If someone tries to propose a different direction, ISTPs can become quite blunt in their irritation.

Insensitive – ISTPs rely on logic, and even when they try to meet others halfway with empathy and emotional sensitivity, it rarely seems to come out quite right, if anything is even said at all.

Private and Reserved – This personality type is notoriously difficult to get to know. They keep their personal matters to themselves and often just prefer silence to small talk.

Easily Bored – ISTPs enjoy novelty, which makes them excellent tinkerers, but they are much less reliable when it comes to focusing on things as novelty wanes. Once something is understood, they tend to simply move on to something new and more interesting.

Independent – While also listed as a strength, ISTP personalities’ independence can be a challenge in their social relationships, including in romance. Having someone else’s schedule – especially a social calendar – imposed on them is unlikely to sit well for long. Their tolerance can be quite low for having others take their time away from what they’d prefer to be doing.

Overly Skeptical – ISTPs’ generally skeptical outlook can help them avoid unfounded assumptions, but unchecked skepticism may lead them to dismiss more subjective truths or unquantifiable aspects of the human experience. It can also lead to missed opportunities – they may not take risks or explore unfamiliar concepts due to a lack of definitive proof. Similarly, excessive skepticism may also strain social relationships due to perceived negativity and lack of trust.

ISFP (Adventurer) is a personality type with the Introverted, Observant, Feeling, and Prospecting traits. They tend to have open minds, approaching life, new experiences, and people with grounded warmth. Their ability to stay in the moment helps them uncover exciting potentials.

People with the ISFP personality type are true artists – although not necessarily in the conventional sense. For these types, life itself is a canvas for self-expression. From what they wear to how they spend their free time, they act in ways that vividly reflect who they are as unique individuals. With their exploratory spirit and their ability to find joy in everyday life, ISFPs can be among the most interesting people you’ll ever meet. Driven by their sense of fairness and their open-mindedness, people with this personality type move through life with an infectiously encouraging attitude. They love motivating those close to them to follow their passions and usually follow their own interests with the same unhindered enthusiasm. These individuals embrace a flexible, adaptable approach to life.  They prefer to take each day as it comes, doing what feels right to them in the moment. And they make sure to leave plenty of room in their lives for the unexpected – with the result that many of their most cherished memories are of spontaneous, spur-of-the-moment outings and adventures, whether by themselves or with their loved ones. This flexible mindset makes ISFP personalities remarkably tolerant and nonjudgmental. They genuinely appreciate the diverse nature of the world, embracing people who may hold different opinions or practice unique lifestyles. ISFPs want to live in a world where they – and everyone else – have the freedom to live as they see fit, without judgment. ISFPs want to live in a world where they – and everyone else – have the freedom to live as they see fit, without judgment. ith this personality type may struggle to set long-term plans – let alone stick with them. As a result, ISFPs sometimes have a pretty cloudy view of their ability to achieve their goals, and they often worry about letting other people down. In their relationships, ISFPs are warm, friendly, and caring, taking wholehearted enjoyment in the company of their nearest and dearest. But make no mistake: they need dedicated alone time to recharge their energy after socializing with others. This alone time is what allows these personalities to reestablish a sense of their own identity – in other words, to reconnect with who they truly are. Creative and free-spirited, people with this personality type march to the beat of their own drum. Despite the challenges that they may face due to their sensitivity, ISFPs live in the present, and they know that they don’t need to dwell on past hurts or frustrations. Rather than focusing on how things could be different, people with this personality type have an incredible capacity for appreciating what’s right about life just as it is.

Dominant: Introverted Feeling

ISFPs care more about personal concerns rather than objective, logical information. People with this personality type deal with information and experiences based on how they feel about them. ISFPs have their value system and create spontaneous judgments based on how things fit with their ideas. This can be great at times, because it means they have a strong internal moral compass. It can be a challenge, however, if they let confirmation biases run the show and don't consider other information that might sway their opinions.

Auxiliary: Extraverted Sensing

People with ISFP personalities are very in tune with the world around them. They notice things, no matter how small. This great attention to detail also means that they appreciate things like aesthetics and fine art. ISFPs are always living in the moment. Awareness is their superpower, and they are always ready to jump into action and respond to even small changes. Being attuned to the environment has other perks, too, including a vivid memory. They're able to visualize the past in rich detail. Sights, sounds, and smells trigger powerful memories associated with those senses.

Tertiary: Introverted Intuition

The tertiary function tends to run in the background, feeding off of the extraverted sensing function. As ISFPs take in details about the world, they often develop "gut feelings" about events and situations. That means that while they generally do not like abstract concepts or ideas, their introverted intuition function means that they'll sometimes have important epiphanies.

Inferior: Extraverted Thinking

For ISFPs, this often emerges as a difficulty when it comes to organization, although they may use this function more prominently in certain situations. This function is all about looking for the most efficient way to do something. ISFP might become focused on being very precise about the details and finding the most effective way to express an idea.

ISFP Strengths 

• Very aware of their environment

• Practical

• Enjoys hands-on learning

• Loyal to values and beliefs

Charming – People with the ISFP personality type (Adventurers) are relaxed and warm, and their “live and let live” attitude naturally makes them likable and popular.

Sensitive to Others – ISFPs easily relate to others’ emotions, helping them establish harmony and goodwill and minimize conflict. Many people with this personality type are even able to perceive others’ emotions just by listening to their voices.

Kind and Encouraging – These individuals possess an innate kindness and fairness that fuels their understanding and empathy toward others and often helps them to create a safe space for others to express their thoughts and feelings. They generally adopt an encouraging disposition, always ready to cheer others on in the pursuit of their passions.

Imaginative – ISFPs use creativity and insight to craft bold ideas that speak to people’s hearts. While it’s hard to explain this quality on a resume, their vivid imagination and exploratory spirit help people with this personality type in unexpected ways.

Passionate – Beneath their quiet shyness beats an intensely feeling heart. When these personalities are caught up in something exciting and interesting, they can leave everything else in the dust.

ISFP Weaknesses

• Dislikes abstract, theoretical information

• Reserved and quiet

• Strong need for personal space

• Dislikes arguments and conflict

Difficulty with Structure – Freedom of expression is often ISFP personalities’ top priority. Anything that interferes with that, like traditions and hard rules, creates a sense of oppression. This can make more rigidly structured contexts a challenge.

Unpredictable – ISFPs dislike long-term commitments and plans. The tendency to actively avoid planning for the future can cause strain in their romantic relationships and financial hardship later in life.

Easily Stressed – People with the ISFP personality type live in the present, full of emotion. When situations get out of control, they can shut down, losing their characteristic charm and creativity in favor of gnashing teeth.

Difficulty with Technical Problem-Solving – ISFPs are not the type to build, repair, or try a hands-on approach when faced with technical issues. Their preference for observation over direct, practical involvement often holds them back from dealing effectively with mechanical or technical problem-solving.

Fluctuating Self-Esteem – It’s demanded that skills be quantified, but that’s hard to do with ISFP personalities’ strengths of sensitivity and exploration. Their efforts are too often dismissed, a hurtful and damaging blow, especially early in life. These individuals can start to believe the naysayers without strong support.

ESTP (Entrepreneur) is a personality type with the Extraverted, Observant, Thinking, and Prospecting traits. They tend to be energetic and action-oriented, deftly navigating whatever is in front of them. They love uncovering life’s opportunities, whether socializing with others or in more personal pursuits.  People with the ESTP personality type are frequently described as outgoing, action-oriented, dramatic and enjoy spending time with a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

People with the ESTP personality type are vibrant individuals brimming with an enthusiastic and spontaneous energy. They tend to be on the competitive side, often assuming that a competitive mindset is a necessity in order to achieve success in life. With their driven, action-oriented attitudes, they rarely waste time thinking about the past. In fact, they excel at keeping their attention rooted in their present – so much so that they rarely find themselves fixated on the time throughout the day. Theory, abstract concepts, and plodding discussions about global issues and their implications don’t keep ESTP personalities interested for long. They keep their conversations energetic, with a good dose of intelligence, but they like to talk about what is – or better yet, to just go out and do it. They often leap before they look, fixing their mistakes as they go rather than sitting idle and preparing contingencies and escape clauses. ESTPs are a bold and brave bunch who are not afraid to take chances or act on their impulses. They live in the moment and dive into the action with an open mind and outward confidence. People with this personality type enjoy drama, passion, and pleasure, not for emotional thrills but because it’s so stimulating to their minds. They tend to make critical decisions based on factual, immediate reality in a process of rapid-fire rational stimulus responses. With perhaps the most perceptive, unfiltered view of any type, ESTPs have a unique skill in noticing small changes. They use these observations immediately, calling out the change and asking questions even if it makes other people uncomfortable. ESTPs are as direct and straightforward as they come. People with the ESTP personality type are full of passion and energy, complemented by a rational, if sometimes distracted, mind. Inspiring, convincing, and colorful, they are natural group leaders, pulling everyone along the path less traveled, bringing life and excitement everywhere they go. 

Dominant: Extraverted Sensing

Introverted sensors are focused on the present moment, taking in an abundance of information about their surroundings. They also have vivid memories of the past and rely on the memories of these experiences to form expectations for the future.

Auxiliary: Introverted Thinking

ISTJs are logical and efficient. They enjoy looking for rational explanations for events. They prefer to focus on the details rather than thinking about abstract information. Being efficient and productive is important for people with this personality type. They appreciate knowledge that has immediate, practical applications. ISTJs make decisions based on logic and objective data rather than personal feelings.

Tertiary: Extraverted Feeling

As they make judgments, ISTJs often make personal interpretations based on their internal set of values. This is often described as an "instinct" or "gut feeling" about a situation. ISTJ might make a decision based on logic, only to have this feeling kick in telling them to trust their feelings rather than just the facts.

Inferior: Introverted Intuition

This aspect of personality enjoys new ideas and experiences. This is the weakest part of the ISTJs personality, but eveloping this function can sometimes lead to more balance.

ESTP Strengths 

• Gregarious, funny, and energetic

• Influential and persuasive

• Action-oriented

• Adaptable and resourceful

• Observant

Bold – People with the ESTP personality type (Entrepreneurs) are full of life and energy. There is no greater joy for them than pushing boundaries and discovering and applying new tools and ideas.

Rational and Practical – These personalities love knowledge and philosophy, but not for their own sake. What’s fun for ESTPs is finding ideas that are actionable and drilling into the details so they can put them to use. If a discussion is completely arbitrary, there are better uses for their time.

Original – Combining their boldness and practicality, ESTP personalities love to experiment with new ideas and solutions. They put things together in ways that no one else would think to.

Perceptive – Their originality is helped by their ability to notice when things change – and when they need to change! Small shifts in habits and appearances stick out to ESTPs, and they use these observations to help create connections with others.

Direct – ESTPs’ perceptiveness isn’t used for mind games – they prefer to communicate clearly, with direct and factual questions and answers. What you see is what you get with this personality type.

Sociable – All these qualities pull together to make ESTP personalities natural group leaders. This isn’t something that they actively seek – they just have a knack for making excellent use of social interactions and networking opportunities.

ESTP Weaknesses

• Impulsive

• Competitive

• Dramatic at times

• Easily bored

Insensitive – Feelings and emotions come second to facts and pragmatism for people with the ESTP personality type. Emotionally charged situations are awkward, uncomfortable affairs, and blunt honesty doesn’t help here. They often have a lot of trouble acknowledging and expressing their own feelings as well, preferring not to dwell on heavy topics or the past for too long.

Impatient – ESTPs move at their own pace to keep themselves entertained. Slowing down because someone else “doesn’t get it” or having to stay focused on a single detail for too long is extremely challenging for them.

Impulsive – Impatience can lead ESTPs to push into uncharted territory without thinking of the long-term consequences. These personalities sometimes intentionally combat boredom with extra risk.

Unstructured – ESTPs see an opportunity – to fix a problem, to advance, to have fun – and seize the moment, often ignoring rules and social expectations in the process. This can result in them getting things done, but it can also create unexpected social fallout if it rubs more traditional personality types the wrong way.

May Miss the Bigger Picture – Living in the moment can cause ESTPs to miss the forest for the trees. People with this personality type love to solve problems here and now – perhaps too much. All parts of a project can be perfect, but the project will still fail if those parts do not fit together.

Defiant – This type won’t be boxed in. Repetition, hardline rules, and sitting quietly while being lectured at are things that ESTP personalities don’t normally enjoy. They are action oriented and hands-on. Environments like school and much entry-level work can be so tedious that they’re intolerable, requiring extraordinary effort from ESTPs to stay focused long enough to get to freer positions.

ESFP (Entertainer) is a personality type with the Extraverted, Observant, Feeling, and Prospecting traits. These people love vibrant experiences, engaging in life eagerly and taking pleasure in discovering the unknown. They can be very social, often encouraging others into shared activities. People with ESFP personality types are often described as spontaneous, resourceful, and outgoing.

If anyone is to be found spontaneously breaking into song and dance, it is people with the ESFP personality type. They get caught up in the excitement of the moment and want everyone else to feel that way too. No other type is as generous with their time and energy when it comes to encouraging others, and no other type does it with such irresistible style. ESFP personalities are inclined toward putting on a show for others and generally appear to be very comfortable in the spotlight. However, it is not their love for being the center of attention that drives this sense of confidence but their knack for sensing what’s appropriate in certain situations. ESFPs truly enjoy the simplest things, and there’s no greater joy for them than just having fun with a good group of friends. People with this personality type would almost always choose to be with friends over spending time alone. With their unique and earthy wit, they love soaking up attention and making every get-together feel a bit like a party. ESFPs tend to have the strongest aesthetic sense of any personality type. From grooming and outfits to a well-appointed home, they have an eye for fashion. They are observant and very sensitive to others’ emotions. Often the first to help someone talk out a challenging problem, ESFPs happily provide emotional support and practical advice. The biggest challenge they face is that they are often so focused on immediate pleasures that they neglect the duties and responsibilities that make those luxuries possible. Complex analyses, repetitive tasks, and matching statistics to real consequences are not easy activities for people with the ESFP personality type. They’d rather rely on spontaneous opportunities or simply ask for help from their extensive circle of friends. ESFPs are welcome wherever there’s a need for laughter, playfulness, and a volunteer to try something new and fun – and there’s no greater joy for these personalities than to bring everyone else along for the ride. 

Dominant: Extraverted Sensing

ESFPs prefer to focus on the here-and-now rather than thinking about the distant future. They also prefer learning about concrete facts rather than theoretical ideas. When solving problems, they trust their instincts and put trust in their own abilities to come up with a solution. While they are reasonable and pragmatic, they dislike structure, order, and planning. Instead, they act spontaneously and do not spend a great deal of time coming up with a plan or schedule.

Auxiliary: Introverted Feeling

ESFPs place a greater emphasis on personal feelings. People with this personality type have an internal system of values on which they base their decisions. They are very much aware of their own emotions and are empathetic towards others. They excel at putting themselves in another person's shoes.

Tertiary: Extraverted Thinking

This function is focused on enforcing order on the outside world. It is centered on productivity, logic, and results. Because this tends to be a weaker aspect of personality, ESFPs may not always feel secure sharing their judgments, especially if they feel it will disrupt the harmony of the group.

Inferior: Introverted Intuition

While this is the least prominent aspect of personality, this function can help the ESFP spot patterns and make connections in things they have observed. ESFPs are usually not particularly adept at using logic to sort through abstract concepts, but this sense can sometimes lead to flashes of insight and epiphanies about themselves or the world.

ESFP Strengths 

• Optimistic and gregarious

• Enjoys people and socializing

• Focused on the present, spontaneous

• Practical

Bold – People with the ESFP personality type (Entertainers) aren’t known for holding back. Wanting to experience everything there is to experience, they don’t mind stepping out of their comfort zones when no one else is willing.

Original – Traditions and expectations are secondary to this personality type, if a consideration at all. ESFPs love to experiment with new styles and constantly find new ways to stand out in the crowd. Not stopping at mere outfits, they inject stylistic creativity into their words and actions too. Every day is a performance, and they love to put on a show.

Positive and Enthusiastic – ESFPs are known for their zest for life and infectious enthusiasm. They naturally exude the kind of positivity that lights up a room and draws people to them, and this often translates into an engaging charisma that can inspire those around them. They tend to approach life and its multitude of experiences with an open mind, ready to immerse themselves in the new, the delightful, and the unexpected.

Hands-on and Observant – To ESFPs, the world is meant to be felt and experienced. They prefer to see and do than to wax philosophical about “what-ifs.” With all this focus on the here and now, on doing and acting, it makes sense that ESFP personalities are naturals when it comes to noticing real, tangible things and changes.

Excellent People Skills – More so than things, though, ESFPs love to pay attention to people. They are talkative, witty, and almost never run out of things to discuss. For these personalities, happiness and satisfaction stem from the time they spend with the people they enjoy being with.

ESFP Weaknesses

• Dislikes abstract theories

• Becomes bored easily

• Does not plan ahead

• Impulsive

Sensitive – ESFPs are strongly emotional and often vulnerable to criticism – they can feel like they’ve been backed into a corner, sometimes reacting badly. This is probably their greatest weakness, because it makes it so hard to address any other weaknesses brought to light.

Conflict-Averse – ESFP personalities sometimes ignore and avoid conflict entirely. They tend to say and do what’s needed to get out of such situations, then move on to something more fun.

Easily Bored – Without constant excitement, people with this personality type often find ways to create it themselves. Risky behavior, self-indulgence, and the pleasures of the moment over long-term plans are all things that ESFPs get into a little too often.

Poor Long-Term Planners – ESFP personalities rarely make detailed plans for the future. To them, things come as they come, and too often they don’t bother with taking the time to lay out steps and consequences, believing that they could change at any moment.

Unfocused – Anything that requires long-term dedication and focus is a particular challenge for people with the ESFP personality type. In academics, dense, unchanging subjects are much more difficult than more dynamic, relatable subjects. The trick for them is to find day-to-day joy in broader goals and to tough it out with those tedious things that must be done.